doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Parker or RBL?

Need some input,

I need a new gun, which everyone on this board can certainly understand. The gun I need will be a hunting gun, shooting everything that flies, from prairie grouse to geese and likely sporting clays. It won't be my only, or for that matter my primary, hunting gun. Don't want or particularily care if it has collector value. The dilema is a lifelong desire for a Parker. I've looked at any number of Parkers, including Repro's and just never seem to find exactly what I want. I'm about to give up on the Parker (unless my Powerball numbers match the next drawing!) and order an RBL, 12ga., 30" bbls., double triggers, beavertail forearm and straight grip. I've about convinced myself I'll buy more for $3k than I'd ever do on a Parker. Your thoughts?

Steve

RBL, at least you can get stock dimensions that are somewhat close to your shooting and/ or hunting style. Plus the RBL can handle modern nontoxic ammunition…..a growing concern for even upland game hunters.

Yes the RBL probably is more practicle but I would buy the Parker. I can't warm up the newer guns even tho they are nice indeed. But life is short and I want an old classic at my side when I'm afield. It is just better that way IMHO.

If you shop carefully, I believe you can find a Parker for $3000 that will be a more desirable gun than a $3000 RBL. JMO, of course.

For the situation you describe, it's RBL.

as versatile modern shooter the rbl wins hands down. the fact that manufacturer is still in business and makes them is certainly big part of it. it isn't the only choice but it's a good one.

I have owned & used both. If I had to choose one for an all purpose gun, I'd go with the more modern RBL.

I've owned both Parker repro's and a launch edition RBL. The repro's are still in my safe and the RBL is long gone.

I looked at the RBL 12 & 16 gauges at the Tulsa show. I'll give galazans credit where it's due and that's all the RBL's they had at the show were eye catchers with real nice wood. But with that said I'm really glad I didn't order a 12 or 16ga RBL. They felt big and clunky, had the same issues of burnt checkering,Etc. You can do much better with $3000.00 if you shop around.

"The dilema is a lifelong desire for a Parker."

That is a very telling statement. The RBL is unlikely to satisfy a life long desire. It is therefore most likely going to come up short in your mind. You will be reminded of that when you finally see a nice Parker for sale (always seems to happen right after buying a new gun) and especially if you are in the company of a nice Parker in the hands of a hunting partner.

I would rather have the Parker, even if that meant having to compromise on the BTFE or straight grip.

Remember life is short, I would fulfill my desire.

All this really proves is that man cannot live with only one gun.